"We can discuss things as a group and no one has to agree with anyone else!"

"I feel comfortable giving my opinion here. It's a safe place."

"We may disagree but it's NEVER confrontational."

-comments from members

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Think this is just another group with a leftist agenda?

If so, you just don't get it.

The Best Little Serious Discussion Group in Atlanta does have an agenda, but it's not an "agenda" you may think it has.

Its agenda is to always discuss multiple sides of an issue.

Its agenda is to be open to new views and perspectives.

Its agenda is civility and universal respect.

What sort of place is Best Little Serious Discussion Group in Atlanta to spend a few hours?

It's a place of safety to speak your mind.

It's a place to suggest new topics of interest to YOU.

It's a place to try your own hand at moderating a topic that you are passionate about.

It's a place where everyone gets an opportunity to speak and to respond to the comments of others.

It's a place where those having an agenda or anything to promote beyond their insights and ideas simply have no place.

It's a place where nobody (BUT NOBODY) is better than anyone else.

It is a "clique free" zone.

The Best Little Serious Discussion Group in Atlanta membership prides itself on its diversity of opinion, its diversity of race, its diversity of sex, and its diversity of sexual orientation.

Browse our current and past events and you'll agree that it's difficult not to see the incredible variety of our offerings.

We give first-timers a "free pass" to come and sit in "listen-only" mode.

Come listen even if you haven't decided whether or not to sign up.

Everyone else should be primed and ready to share.

Add your voice to ours and join us in a discussion today!

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The short version of the rules are in each event listing.

The longer version of the rules are found just below.

As a new member, you're encouraged to skim through them.

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Please follow the moderator's instructions. When passionate people discuss tough issues, things can easily get out of hand, but we've managed to have hundreds of fruitful discussions by having a moderator keep things fair and respectful.

If there is a disagreement, the person who disagrees addresses his/her opposition to the moderator and not to the other party.

Please be on time.

If you’re posting a comment, please limit it to logistics or links, and avoid discussion points. Please don’t post any “sorry I can’t make it” or “this looks good” comments because everyone signed will receive it. Simply un-RSVP if you cannot attend.

The following conduct is prohibited:

a. pointing fingers at others

b. appropriating the discussion to serve a personal agenda

c. raise one’s voice in anger

d. name calling

e. telling others they are “wrong” or that they cannot speak to a subject because they no frame of reference when addressing sex, sexual orientation, race, color, religion or social class

Verbal attacks of any kinds directed toward anyone including wait staff, venue management, and group members which include the moderator.

No side conversations are permitted while the discussion is active. Those who need to talk are welcome to leave the room to do it.

One person speaks at a time.

Please raise your hand or give physical indication that you wish to speak.

Please speak briefly but be as thorough as you can.

Please do not deviate from the topic being discussed.

In rare situations, an attendee may be asked to leave for repeated violations of these rules. The moderator has full authority to request removal.

If asked to leave, the attendee should quickly pay his or her bill and leave the room and the building without further incident.

You’re “permitted” to “non-show” 2 times. On your 3rd no-show you’ll be removed from the group

Un-RSVPing within the hour of an event counts as a no-show.

Every 2 late arrivals by 15 mins or more counts as a no-show. Why? Because you disrespect the group by calling attention to your late arrival which disrupts discussion flow. This may not occur in lectures attended by 100s of people, but it does in a small group setting in a small room.

Are you in disagreement with insulted by, distressed by or outraged by these rules?

If so, we encourage you to join other Meetup groups where you're bound to feel more comfortable and respected.